9 Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe And Protected During This Diwali
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Although crackers are known for being a significant part of Diwali celebrations, they can be quite harmful to the animals in our lives. The noise from firecrackers and the chemicals and gas associated that are released can cause disruptions as well as damage to their overall health (pretty much the same for humans as well). This year Diwali falls on the 14th of November, and you have to be extremely careful about protecting your pets from any distress that they may be dealing with. Here are nine tips that could help you keep your pets safe and protected during Diwali:
1. Talk To Your Vet First
It’s a good idea to talk to your vet and find out what steps they would recommend. If they ask you to soundproof your house or comfort your pet, give their advice a listen. Your vet will be able to guide you based on your pet’s individual needs accurately. If your pet is a little extra sensitive, then firecrackers can cause tonnes of problems for them during this time.
2. First-Aid Kit
It’s a good idea to keep a pet first-aid kit handy at home in case of accidents. At the same time, you don’t want your pet to be let loose during the festival; if they do happen to get out, you should know what to do and be prepared as to how to handle it. Keep an emergency medical kit around in case things go bad.
3. Dispose Of Used Firecrackers
Dispose of any used firecrackers as they can cause many problems if accidentally consumed by one of your furry friends. Even if you don’t have a pet of your own and like to feed street dogs/cats in the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to discard the firecrackers to protect the animals in your community from accidentally eating them.
4. Do Not Leave Them Alone
Please do not leave your pet by themselves during Diwali as they will be absolutely petrified and won’t know what to do without your presence. Having you around will let them know that it is okay and they will feel reassured about their safety. As the noise of firecrackers can terrify them, having you by their side, consoling them, and holding them close will help them feel a lot less scared.
5. Don’t Take Off Their Collars
Maybe your dog likes to relax and hates having a collar on while indoors, but if your pet is outdoors, it’s not a good idea to take off their collar and have them roaming around freely. Not only is this dangerous to do on a regular basis but extra dangerous during Diwali. If your pet gets frightened and runs off or tries to hide, you will have no way of identifying him if he doesn’t have a collar on. Even if someone finds your pet, they will have no way of contacting you or letting you know that they have found your pet if it is missing a collar.
6. Keep Doors And Windows Shut
Keep all your doors and windows locked during this time. Even if you don’t have soundproofed windows, you can always purchase a bunch of curtains that could do the job just as well; soundproof other parts of your house with foam and other thick materials.
7. Keep Them Indoors As Much As Possible
If your dog doesn’t know how to go in a litter box, then you will have to take your dog outdoors if they have to do their business. You can go to a dog park or a place that is a little quieter. If you live in a rural area, you can take your dog for a longer walk outside as long as there aren’t many people in the area. However, if you’re in a city or an area with a lot of firecrackers, keep the walks short.
8. Switch To Eco-Friendly Celebrations
You can make use of eco-friendly lamps, lights, and diyas to avoid causing too much noise and air pollution from your end. This will be great for your pet and even better for the environment. Avoid contributing to the pollution around you by yourself.
9. Try Sheltering Stray Dogs
If you have the space, it’s a good idea to shelter stray dogs or find a place where you can. Diwali can be a terrifying time for them, and if they are already fearful of humans, it can get worse. We’ve all heard horror stories of some of the atrocities that many people commit against animals during this time. It’s a good idea to leave out extra food and water for them too.
Sure, Diwali is the festival of lights, and everyone wants to celebrate to their best abilities, but we need to be mindful of the furry creatures around here. Do let us know all your thoughts on this article in the comment section below.
